Series highlights: Hurricanes dominate all Devils games

There was only one playoff game last night in the National Hockey League, as the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils faced off for a second game in the conference semi-finals.

Here, then, is a review of that game.

1. Hurricanes in control in Game 2

After seeing the Hurricanes easily win Game 1 by a score of 5-1, we expected to see the Devils bounce back in Game 2.

This time, Rod Brind’Amour’s team added a goal to their record, winning 6-1.

For the second game in a row, the Devils’ Swiss goalkeeper Akira Schmid was withdrawn and replaced by Vitek Vanecek.

However, Game 2 started well enough for the Devils, who had the best scoring chances but failed to break the 0-0 tie that lasted until the start of the second period.

Canadian veteran Jesperi Kotkaniemi finally broke the tie with two goals in 2:23.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s first of the night gets the party started! 🥳 #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT ➡️ https://t.co/LaJpv7c3yx #NHLonTNT
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/uEVY6yXLpz pic.twitter.com/jLf1HYDIFj

– NHL (@NHL) May 6, 2023

2:23 later, Jesperi pots No. ✌️ on the evening. #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT ➡️ https://t.co/LaJpv7c3yx #NHLonTNT
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/uEVY6yXLpz pic.twitter.com/woFdUHcbj0

– NHL (@NHL) May 6, 2023

After a very ordinary series against the Islanders (one assist in six games), Kotkaniemi seems to be enjoying it against the Devils, as he already has three goals in two games.

The Hurricanes quickly took the lead early in the second period, and added to it late in the period with two goals.

These are some sweet moves from the @Canes captain. 😮‍💨 #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT ➡️ https://t.co/LaJpv7c3yx #NHLonTNT
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet ➡️ https://t.co/uEVY6yXLpz pic.twitter.com/r0Iccwiq8D

– NHL (@NHL) May 6, 2023

This puck was going in the net one way or another pic.twitter.com/VKUm1PoPLe

– Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 6, 2023

It was, of course, this 4th Hurricanes goal that put an end to Akira Schmid’s game.

The Hurricanes also added two goals in the third period thanks to Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen.

The Devils’ lone goal was scored by Miles Wood.

In short, things aren’t going well for the Devils at the moment, but it’s worth remembering that they also lost their first-round series to the Rangers 2-0, and the rest is history.

The series now moves to New Jersey for two games the Devils must win.

The Hurricanes lead the series 2-0.

Overtime

– Here’s yesterday’s result.

The @Canes collected their 16th all-time playoff win against the Devils/Rockies/Scouts – tied for the most against a single opponent in franchise history (16 vs. BOS & MTL). #StanleyCup #NHLStats: https://t.co/UpLF92jx42 pic.twitter.com/COBx7hQORu

– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 6, 2023

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.